His name is foreign.

Although he is a Jew.

“Sheshbazzar” literally means “worshipper of fire.” A Babylonian derivation, looks like to me.

Some believe he is identical to Zerubbabel, but based on Ezra 5:11 I do not think that is the case.

And who is he?

Almost the “hero” (from a Jewish perspective) of Ezra chapter 1. King Cyrus is NOT Jewish, of course, a Gentile to the core.

All the Temple utensils and vessels (given back to the Jews by King Cyrus) were entrusted to this Sheshbazzar, who is identified as a “prince of Judah.” Delivered to him for transport to Jerusalem!

“Even those (vessels) did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto SHESHBAZZAR, the prince of Judah.” Ezra 1:8, wish we knew his Hebrew name!

And was this good man successful?

“All these (thousands of pieces, tools, implements) did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.” Yes, according to Ezra 1:11 here.

He “did bring them up” to Jerusalem!

(Note: although Jerusalem is south of Babylon … it is spoken up as being “up” from Babylon! “… brought UP from Babylon unto Jerusalem.” In the Bible … Jerusalem is ALWAYS spoken of as being upward! Not just because it’s in the mountains, either! It is God’s High City!)

The point of today’s Lesson is simple.

After Sheshbazzar’s initial act here in chapter 1 … he fades from the scene and is replaced by Zerubbabel and then by Ezra and ultimately Nehemiah!

HE DOES HIS JOB!

THEN YIELDS TO (PERHAPS) MORE TALENTED, DOMINANT LEADERS!

WITHOUT GRUMBLING!

WITH A SWEET SPIRIT!

NO DOUBT EVENTUALLY HEARING IN HEAVEN, “WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!”

Oh, for more leaders like him.

For more of us to be humble-minded.

Realizing that no one is irreplaceable in God’s Work!

All striving for the “Cause” of Christ Jesus our Lord … not self acclaim!

Thank God for Sheshbazzar!

And the millions of other virtually unknown (humanly speaking) servants of the Lord who have come and gone through Church history!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell